Sample Kansai Utility Bills and Usage Notices
Dec 04, 2023 By Admin
In Japan, residents are signed up for water, electricity, gas and Internet as utility payments - with the exclusion of some properties that have no gas, and are all electric (or "all-denka"), or have Internet costs included as part of the rent. Electricity, gas and Internet are billed monthly, while...[ Click to read more ]
Public Transport in Kobe
Oct 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
One of the three main cities in the Kansai region, Kobe has good transport links that can get you around the city, the outskirts and further afield. Between 2-3 hours from Tokyo by train, it also has its own airport and seaport. Most of the city center parts can be...[ Click to read more ]
How to Get an ETC Card in Japan
Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]
Best Gyms in Kobe
Sep 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Whether living in Kobe or spending some time in the city, you may want to hit the gym at some point. You have plenty of options, including day passes (which are called “visitor” in Japan). You’ll need an ID, such as your passport, to join a gym. You’ll also need...[ Click to read more ]
Mountain Treks in Kansai
Aug 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Japan is well-known for its vibrant and colorful city life, but beyond its urban sprawl, there is some magnificent natural scenery that makes the place a hiker’s paradise. The Kansai region, home to cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, has an abundance of mountains across its districts. With autumn fast...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Trips in Kansai
Jul 24, 2023 By Justin Hanus
With so many picturesque waterways spread across the region, Kansai is the perfect Japanese location for a boat trip. Whether you fancy a relaxing cruise or a white-knuckle downriver jaunt, there are no shortage of boating opportunities. Here is a choice selection of trips guaranteed to provide a winner of...[ Click to read more ]
Fruit Picking in Kansai
Jul 23, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Picking fresh fruit is a popular – and refreshing – pastime in Japan. In the Kansai region, there are many farms and orchards where you can roam around and pluck produce straight from the plant. You pay either by weight or time slot, depending on the farm. Some farms, in...[ Click to read more ]
What You’ll Find at Shinkaichi Art Plaza in Kobe
Jun 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Kobe has long been an important place for pop culture in Japan. Shinkaichi Art Plaza provides a venue to nurture all kinds of art forms, including theater, film-making, music, visual arts, and dance. It’s the perfect place for young artists to display their work, network with others, and rehearse for...[ Click to read more ]
Skate Parks in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Japan is experiencing something of a skateboarding wave since it showcased the sport during the recent Tokyo Olympics. Many purpose-built skateboarding facilities have sprung up over the last few years, from sponsored all-weather indoor parks to free outdoor parks. Here is a small selection of places to try out your...[ Click to read more ]
Renewing Child Allowances in Japan
Jun 20, 2023 By Admin
With Japan’s birthrate in rapid decline, the government of Japan has stepped in to offer a monthly allowance per child to reduce the economic burden placed on families raising young children and encourage the growth of families. This article relates to renewing this child allowance, which must be done annually....[ Click to read more ]
